Houston Rockets big man Alperen Sengun has been on a tear in this year’s EuroBasket. Most importantly, his native Turkey has advanced to the round of 16. They did so in style, going 5-0 in the group stage. Sengun has been the main reason why. What could it mean for the Houston Rockets’ season in 2025-26?
Sengun’s EuroBasket Dominance a Sign For Rockets?
Sengun is averaging 21.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game in this year’s competition. In an NBA context, those numbers are very good. In a FIBA context, where it’s generally slower-paced and harder to score, they’re excellent. Those marks are good for 6th in points and 3rd in rebounds and assists. In the additional context of Turkey’s success, they’re outstanding. Just a year ago, Turkey didn’t even qualify for the 2024 Olympics.
The big test for Sengun in this event was always going to be how he handled double teams. The early signs are encouraging. He’s clearly thinking about the double early on while posting up, and his passes have been more decisive. He’s had at least five assists in every game so far. That is to go along with 3 turnovers a game, but he is his team’s primary source of offense. Even the great Nikola Jokic is averaging 2.6 turnovers a game.
The Pinnacle of Point Center Combat
Speaking of Jokic, Turkey’s most impressive win so far came against his Serbian squad on Wednesday night. It was the Balkan nation’s only loss in the group stage. Sengun rose to the occasion and had his best game yet.
Sengun had 28 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, and, surprisingly, went 4 of 7 from three-point range. It would be fair to say that he outplayed Jokic, who was his usual, unflappably productive self regardless.
The big men weren’t one another’s primary defenders for the majority of the game, but Sengun’s defense has looked excellent in the tournament. Rockets fans have already come to expect that of him after he held down the middle for Houston’s fourth-ranked defense last regular season.
What Rockets fans will be more anxious to see in 2025-26 will be whether Sengun can recover some of his lost efficiency. The EuroBasket has been helping to ease some of that anxiety. Probably best not to get too attached to his current 46.2% from three, though. Still, Sengun’s willingness to take all manner of longer shots has been encouraging to see. A really reliable midrange shot is the most important weapon missing from his otherwise dominant post game.
How Far Can Turkey Go?
As for the rest of the competition still to play, Turkey’s situation looks promising. At first, Serbia was the firm favorite to win the tournament. That Turkey has managed to beat them once already will give them a lot of confidence going forward. However, Serbia’s loss of Bogdan Bogdanovic to injury has left them without their second-best player. They’re still right up there, but Germany and now Turkey are in the same ballpark.
Turkey will begin the knockout phase of the tournament against Sweden on Saturday. Germany and Serbia are in the other half of the draw, meaning that Turkey wouldn’t have to play either of them until the finals. A run-in with Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is possible before then. However, France and the one-man-band Slovenian squad are on the other side of the draw as well, making Turkey’s path eminently traversable.
The Last Word
Fans across the NBA are loving the offseason stopgap of international basketball. Seeing Sengun blossom into one of the premier international talents is a particular treat for Rockets fans, though. And in the NBA recently, the premier international talent has been the premier talent overall. The Rockets are going to have a legitimate one-two punch in Sengun and Kevin Durant next season. Sengun’s making a very early case to be the one.
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